The CODE

of the
PHI DELTA THETA
FRATERNITY

Containing

The Constitution
and
The General Statutes

2008

1
 THE GENERAL COUNCIL
2008-2010

President, MARK H. OCHSENBEIN

Eastern Kentucky ’77

Treasurer, M. SCOTT MIETCHEN

Utah ’84

Reporter, CHRISTOPHER A. LAPPLE

California State - Northridge ’80

Member-at-Large, RICHARD E. FABRITIUS

Kent State ’94

Member-at-Large, JEFFREY D. DAVIS

Southeast Missouri ’94

********

Executive Vice President, ROBERT A. BIGGS

Georgia Southern ’76

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NOTE: The Constitution which follows was adopted by the 1970
Convention and ratified by the 1972 Convention. The General
Statutes were also rewritten and approved by action of the 1970
Convention. Sections which have been amended by succeeding
Conventions are indicated by the date of the meeting in parenthesis,
ie (1978).

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 CONTENTS
Order of Proceedings for Chapters ................................................................................... 4
Use of the Gavel............................................................................................................... 4

THE CONSTITUTION
Preamble ...................................................................................................................... 5
Article I Objects ................................................................................................. 5
Article II General Convention.............................................................................. 5
Article III General Council.................................................................................... 5
Article IV Chapters ............................................................................................... 6
Article V Alumni Clubs ....................................................................................... 6
Article VI Membership.......................................................................................... 6
Article VII Insignia ................................................................................................. 6
Article VIII Communications................................................................................... 7
Article IX Amendments ........................................................................................ 7

THE GENERAL STATUTES

Title I General Convention.............................................................................. 8
Title II General Council.................................................................................... 9
Title III General Headquarters ......................................................................... 11
Title IV Provinces ............................................................................................ 11
Title V Establishment, Installation and Withdrawal of Chapters .................... 12
Title VI Alumni Clubs ..................................................................................... 13
Title VII Chapter Meetings and Operation ........................................................ 14
Title VIII Chapter Equipment ............................................................................. 16
Title IX Chapter Houses .................................................................................. 17
Title X Finance ............................................................................................... 18
Title XI Officers of Chapters ........................................................................... 19
Title XII Eligibility for Pledging ....................................................................... 24
Title XIII Eligibility for Membership ................................................................. 24
Title XIV Rights and Obligations of Membership .............................................. 26
Title XV Affiliation ........................................................................................... 26
Title XVI Discipline and Loss of Membership ................................................... 27
Title XVII Alumni Members................................................................................ 30
Title XVIII Insignia ............................................................................................... 30

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 ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS
FOR CHAPTERS
1. Opening Ceremony
2. Calling the Roll
3. Reading and Adopting the Minutes
4. Initiation, Affiliation or Reception Ceremony
5. Literary Exercises
6. Proposals for Membership
7. Reports of Officers
8. Reading of Correspondence
9. Election or Installation of Officers
10. Reports of Committees
11. General Business
12. Anniversary, Valedictory, or Memorial Ceremony
13. Calling the Roll
14. Closing Ceremony
This order may be changed by a majority vote.

USE OF THE GAVEL

One rap (•) of the President’s gavel directs the members to stand;
two raps (••) call them to order and direct them to be seated; three
raps (•••) enjoin silence.

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 The
CONSTITUTION
of the
PHI DELTA THETA
FRATERNITY
PREAMBLE
We, who have accepted The Bond of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, recognizing it as
a basis of union, and desiring to derive its benefits, do ordain and establish for the Phi
Delta Theta Fraternity the following Constitution:

ARTICLE I—OBJECTS
1. Relation to Bond. The objects of this Fraternity are to instill, in all members, the
high principles of The Bond of Phi Delta Theta and to attain an organized brotherhood
that will assist all its members to conduct themselves at all times in accordance with
these principles.

ARTICLE II—GENERAL CONVENTION

2. Powers. Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, supreme legislative and
judicial powers are vested in the General Convention, composed of delegates from
chapters and alumni clubs, of general officers of the Fraternity and such other officers as
the General Statutes may designate.
3. Statutes. The General Convention shall enact Statutes for the government of the
Fraternity, in accordance with this Constitution.
4. Ritual. The General Convention shall adopt a Ritual for the use of the Fraternity,
which shall be in harmony with The Bond of the Phi Delta Theta.
5. Next Convention. The General Council shall determine the time and place of the
next convention. Not more than three years shall intervene between such conventions,
except, in the event of a state of war existing, the General Council may deem the holding
of such convention inadvisable.

ARTICLE III—GENERAL COUNCIL

6. Officers. Each General Convention shall elect a General Council composed of a
President and four additional members.
7. Duties. The General Council shall be the legal representative of the Fraternity and
custodian of the property of the Fraternity. The General Council shall interpret and
administer all laws of the Fraternity and make such policies and appointments as may be
necessary to promote the general welfare of the Fraternity.

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 8. Vote Required. Every decision of the General Council shall require a four-fifths
affirmative vote, except as provided in Section 9—Replacement of a Council Member.
9. Replacement of Council Member. Any member of the General Council may be
removed from office for cause by the unanimous vote of the other four members. Any
vacancy on the General Council, including the office of president, may be filled by a
unanimous vote of the remaining members.

ARTICLE IV—CHAPTERS
10. Where Located. Chapters of the Fraternity shall be established and maintained
only at accredited colleges and universities.

ARTICLE V—ALUMNI CLUBS

11. Where Established. Alumni club charters may be granted by the General Council
upon petition of alumni residing in a particular locality.

ARTICLE VI—MEMBERSHIP
12. Qualifications. Each chapter shall select its members from among the male
students who are in regular attendance at the college or university at which it is
established, except in special cases as approved by the General Council. Those chosen
by the chapter must be men who exemplify friendship, sound learning and rectitude.
(1996)
13. Voting. A person pledged to this Fraternity shall be chosen by the active
members of the chapter in which he is proposed for membership, in accordance with the
bylaws of that chapter.
14. Obligation. Every person, on being admitted to membership, shall accept The
Bond of Phi Delta Theta, and the Constitution and laws thereon based, shall not cheat,
wrong, or defraud a brother Phi, a chapter of Phi Delta Theta or the Fraternity in general,
and shall never unite with a similar fraternity.

ARTICLE VII—INSIGNIA
15. Badge. The badge of the Fraternity is made of gold or platinum, and consists of a
shield, with a scroll bearing the letters of Phi Delta Theta over the fesse and nombril
points, an eye over the honor point, and a sword attached by a chain from the sinister
chief point to the hilt. The sword shall always be worn with the shield, and both may be
made of one piece, the sword appearing to pass diagonally back of the shield from the
sinister chief point to the dexter base point. On the reverse the initials, the Bond number
of the owner, and the title of his chapter shall be inscribed. The badge may be jeweled,
and the scroll may be enameled in white and the eye in black.
16. Colors. The colors of the Fraternity are blue and white, or azure and argent.

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 17. Open Motto. The open motto of the Fraternity is: Ειζ ανηρ ουδειζ ανηρ.
18. Coat-of-Arms. The coat-of-arms of the Fraternity is emblazoned as follows: *
Escutcheon: Azure, on a bend argent, between six mullets of the second, a sword
proper point downward.
Helmet: Proper, affrontee, visor closed, mantling of the first and second.
Crest: A dexter arm embowed vambraced hurling a javelin all proper.
Motto: Ειζ ανηρ ουδειζ ανηρ.
19. Seal. The great seal of the Fraternity consists of the escutcheon of the coat-of-
arms, with the legend: “Great Seal of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity,” and the figures “1848”
in a circle about the same.
20. Patron Goddess. Pallas, Goddess of Wisdom, is recognized as the Patron
Goddess of Phi Delta Theta.
21. Secret Work. The Fraternity’s secret motto, grip, raps, pass-words, test words and
signs of recognition shall be transmitted orally and in no case may be reduced to print or
writing except as the General Council shall provide. At each General Convention the
General Council shall designate some member of the Fraternity who shall exemplify the
unwritten work of the Fraternity.

ARTICLE VIII—COMMUNICATIONS **
22. Communications. The General Council shall determine what communication
vehicles are to be developed by the Fraternity and provide for the production and
distribution thereof. (2002)

ARTICLE IX—AMENDMENTS
23. Amendment of Constitution and Ritual. This Constitution and the Ritual of the
Fraternity may be amended only by a three-fourths vote of any two successive General
Conventions.
24. Amendment of General Statutes. The General Statutes may be amended only by a
three-fourths vote of any General Convention.
25. Proposed Amendments. Proposed amendments to the Constitution, Ritual and
General Statutes must be presented to the Convention in writing or print.
26. Time of Vote. A vote on proposed amendments to the Constitution and Ritual of
the Fraternity can be taken no sooner than a session of the Convention on the day
following their introduction. A vote on proposed amendments to the General Statutes
may be taken on the day of their introduction.

________________

* When depicted in colors the field is blue, the stars silver, the sword, helmet, mail on the arm and javelin gold, the hand
flesh color, the mantling blue and silver, the wreath blue and silver, the motto of black letters on a white scroll.
** The 2000 & 2002 Convention revised ARTICLE VIII—PUBLICATIONS, giving it the new title as listed and making
modifications to broaden the language given the increased use of technology in communications.

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 The
GENERAL STATUTES
of the
PHI DELTA THETA
FRATERNITY
Laws of general application enacted by the General Convention based on, and
subordinate to, the Constitution of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

TITLE I—GENERAL CONVENTION

27. How Composed. The General Convention shall consist of the following
delegates: General Council members, one member of the Walter B. Palmer Foundation
Incorporated Board of Trustees, one member of the Phi Delta Theta Educational
Foundation, one member of the Canadian Scholarship Foundation, and one member of
the Frank J. R. Mitchell Scroll Fund Board of Trustees, the Province Presidents, or in
their absence, the assistant or acting Province Presidents, Past Presidents of the General
Council, the members of the Survey Commission, the Scholarship Commissioner, the
Housing Commissioner, the Executive Vice President, the Finance Commissioner, the
Fraternity Chaplain, the Fraternity Warden, and any other such commissioners as
appointed by the General Council and Official Delegates of chapters and alumni clubs.
(1998)

28. Votes of Delegates. Each delegate shall have one vote, but a delegate holding
more than one office shall have only one vote. Voting by proxy is prohibited.

29. Privileges of Visitors. Members of the Fraternity not delegates to the convention
shall be admitted thereto and may speak but may not vote or offer motions.

30. Election of Delegates. Every chapter in the Fraternity shall send an official
delegate to each General Convention. At a regular meeting of the chapter in the
university or college term immediately preceding the Convention, each chapter shall
elect from its active members who will be in attendance during the following term, a
delegate and an alternate. The chapter vice president shall immediately forward to the
General Headquarters of the Fraternity the names and classes of the delegate and
alternate elect; and shall send like notice of any subsequent change.

31. Credentials. Delegates from chapters and alumni clubs shall present credentials.
No delegate shall be seated from a chapter which is delinquent in money payments or
required reports, except by majority vote of the convention.

32. Rules of Order. The General Convention shall be governed by parliamentary

rules defined in Robert’s Rules of Order, except where they conflict with the
Constitution or statutes of the Fraternity, or the rules of order adopted by the convention.

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 33. Quorum. A quorum of the General Convention shall consist of a majority of the
delegates present and entitled to vote.

34. Ayes and Nays. On a motion to grant or withdraw a charter all votes must be
recorded by written ballot. On any vote to amend the Constitution, General Statutes, or
Ritual, the ayes and nays shall be recorded. On demand of twenty-five of those entitled
to vote, the ayes and nays shall be recorded on any question before the Convention.

35. Officers. The President of the General Council and the Executive Vice President
of the Fraternity shall be ex officio the Chairman and the Secretary of the General
Convention. The President shall appoint wardens who shall have charge of the
approaches of the convention and shall admit no person not entitled to enter. (1972)

36. Committees. The General Council shall appoint such Convention committees as
it may deem necessary.

37. Resolutions and Motions. The chairman of the General Convention may require
any resolution or motion to be in writing.

38. Effective Date of Legislation. Unless otherwise specified, every enactment of the
convention shall take effect upon the adjournment of the General Convention at which
enacted.

39. Printing and Distribution of Proceedings. The General Council shall arrange for
the printing and distribution of the “Journal of Proceedings” of the General Convention.
The original manuscript of the “Journal” and reports shall be preserved.

TITLE II—GENERAL COUNCIL

40. Appointment of Nominating Committee. The General Council shall appoint a
Nominating Committee of not less than seven members, at least one of whom shall be a
Past President of the General Council and one of whom shall be an undergraduate
delegate to the Convention. This committee shall be appointed at the first meeting of the
General Council in the academic year following the Convention except that the
undergraduate member shall be appointed before the Convention. The committee shall
make recommendations on the nominees for the General Council. Each Province
President shall be an advisory member of the committee, as well as any member in good
standing in Phi Delta Theta.
The list of nominees for the presidency of the General Council and membership on
the General Council shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the General Convention
hall before the first general session of the General Convention.
A name or names may be added to these lists on the written application of at least
twenty-five delegates, who are entitled to vote, presented to the Convention within
twenty-four hours of the opening of the first general session of the General Convention.
(1994)

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 41. Election of President. The Convention shall, by written ballot, first elect a
President from the final list of nominees for President. If upon the first ballot any one
person shall receive a vote of over 50 percent of the total vote cast, such person without
further ballot shall have been elected President. If, however, on such a first ballot no
person shall have received a vote of over 50 percent of the vote cast, the two persons
receiving the highest number of votes shall be considered the nominees and another
ballot taken and the one of these two nominees receiving the higher vote shall be elected
President. If there is only one nominee for President, the Convention may elect a
nominee by acclamation, and a written ballot shall not be required. (2006)

42. Election of Other Council Members. The Convention shall then elect, by written
ballot, four additional members to the General Council from the final list of nominees
for the General Council which shall include any unsuccessful candidates for President.
If the number of nominees is equal to the vacancies on the General Council to be
filled, the Convention may elect that slate of nominees by acclamation or a voice vote,
and a written ballot shall not be required.
Upon the first ballot, if four or more nominees each receive more than 50 percent of
the total votes cast, the four nominees receiving the highest number of votes shall be
elected to the General Council. In the event four nominees are not so elected, any
nominee(s) receiving more than 50 percent of the total votes cast shall thereupon be
elected to the General Council. Upon the second written ballot and all subsequent
ballots, the Convention shall drop the nominee with the least number of votes after each
ballot so long as there is then remaining at least one more nominee than the remaining
number of vacancies on the General Council to be filled, it being necessary to obtain
more than 50 percent of the total vote cast to be elected to this office. (2006)

43. Term of Office. The term of office of the President and members of the General
Council shall be until their successors have been duly elected and installed.

44. Installation of General Council. The General Council elect shall be installed not
later than the last session of the General Convention.

45. Duties of President. The President shall be responsible for directing the affairs of
the Fraternity during his term of office and shall preside at all meetings of the General
Council.

46. Organization of the General Council. The General Council shall elect one of its
members to serve as Treasurer, one as Reporter, and two as Members-at-Large. The
Treasurer shall supervise the finances of the Fraternity. The Reporter shall supervise the
publications of the Fraternity. The Members-at-Large of the General Council shall
perform such duties as may be assigned to them individually by the General Council.
The General Council shall appoint trustees of the Phi Delta Theta Educational
Foundation and such other foundations and trusts which may from time to time be
created.
The Frank J. R. Mitchell Scroll Endowment Fund, the Phi Delta Theta Educational
Foundation and any similar funds or foundations heretofore created and maintained by

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the General Convention or the General Council shall continue in existence and be
maintained and administered in accordance with the provisions of the General Statutes
and any other relevant documents in existence and effective on August 25, 1970. In
addition, the General Council shall have the power and authority to alter or amend any
such provision, create additional provisions regarding the creation or administration
thereof and to terminate and direct the distribution of assets of any such fund or
foundation provided such distribution of assets would not conflict with the provisions of
any other relevant documents pertaining to such fund or foundation. (1992)

47. Eligibility for Re-election. The President of the General Council shall be
ineligible for re-election as President or as member of the General Council for the term
next succeeding the term for which he was elected as President.

TITLE III—GENERAL HEADQUARTERS

48. Establishment. The Fraternity shall maintain a General Headquarters at the
birthplace of the Fraternity, Oxford, Ohio.

49. Executive Vice President. The General Council shall employ an Executive Vice
President who shall be in charge of the General Headquarters and who shall discharge
the following duties:
(a) To act as Secretary to the General Council.
(b) To prepare and distribute supplies among the chapters and officers of the
Fraternity.
(c) To collect all monies due the General Fraternity.
(d) To keep all accounts of receipts and disbursements.
(e) To visit active chapters and alumni clubs.
(f) To act as business manager of Fraternity publications.
(g) To employ sufficient clerical help to carry on the work of the Fraternity.
(h) To serve as a member ex officio of the Survey Commission.
(i) Such other duties as the General Council may direct. (1990)

50. Assistants. The General Council may employ a member or members of the
Fraternity to assist the Executive Vice President. (1990)

51. Retirement. The General Council shall establish terms and conditions for the
retirement of qualified employees of the Fraternity.

TITLE IV—PROVINCES
52. Division and Names. The General Council shall divide the chapters into as many
provinces as may be desirable for administrative purposes.
53. Appointment and Qualifications of Province Presidents. The General Council
shall appoint a president for each province who shall serve for a two year term or until
his successor is appointed. The General Council, through the General Headquarters,

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shall request the chapters within the province for a vote approving this appointment. If a
majority of chapters vote against this appointment, the General Council shall withdraw
such appointment and submit another appointment. The General Council may appoint
assistants to any Province President. (1992)

54. Duties of the Province President. The President of each province or his assistant
shall have special charge of the interests of the Fraternity therein, and it is his duty to
encourage and aid all chapters, chapter advisory boards, alumni clubs, and house
corporations therein and promptly notify the General Headquarters of any matters which
may require the attention thereof and shall act as an advisor to the Survey Commission
concerning colleges or universities located within the bounds of his province. The
province president or his assistant shall perform other duties as the General Council may
order or request. (2006)

55. Province Meetings. The president of a province may call a province meeting at
such a time and place as may be agreed upon. The expenses of holding a province
meeting shall be borne by the chapters in the province.

TITLE V—ESTABLISHMENT, INSTALLATION AND

WITHDRAWAL OF CHAPTERS
56. Appointment of Survey Commission. The General Council shall appoint a Survey
Commission composed of not less than three members, at least one of whom shall be a
Past President of the General Council. This commission shall be appointed at the first
meeting of the General Council in the academic year following the convention. This
commission shall make recommendations on the establishment of Colonies and the
granting and withdrawal of charters. The Executive Vice President or his representative
shall be ex officio a member of this commission, and each Province President shall be an
advisory member of the commission concerning colleges or universities located within
the bounds of his province. (2002)

57. Achieving Chapter Status. A group formed at an approved institution must first
serve a period of time as a colony prior to a charter being granted. (1990)

58. Establishing of a Colony. An institution shall be approved for the establishment

of a colony by the unanimous vote of the Survey Commission, the approval by the
President in whose province the institution is located, and the unanimous vote of the
General Council. Thereafter, the General Council may declare that either an existing
group at the institution be granted colony status, or may direct the Survey Commission
to form a colony at the institution so approved. (1990)

59. Granting of Charters. The Province President and the Survey Commission shall
monitor the progress made by a colony. Upon successful completion of all General
Council prerequisites, the Province President may recommend that a charter be granted.
The recommendation must be approved by:

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 (a) Three-fourths of all chapters in the province in which the institution is located.
Where there are three chapters, two thirds will be required.
(b) The Survey Commission.
(c) The General Council.
After all approvals have been given, a charter shall be granted. (1990)

60. (1990)

61. Date and Names on Charter. A charter shall bear the date on which the chapter
was installed, and shall be signed by the General Council then in office. Chapters shall
be entitled by the names of the states and Greek letters in alphabetical order according to
the date of the establishment.

62. Installation of Chapter. A charter having been granted, the chapter shall be
installed under the supervision of the General Council. The applicants having been
initiated, the charter and copies of The Bond, Constitution, General Statutes, Ritual and
other necessary books and papers shall be placed in their keeping, and they shall receive
all needed instructions for organizing and conducting a chapter.

63. Charter Revocation. A petition for the revocation of a charter shall be referred by
the General Council to the Survey Commission. The Commission shall make full
investigation and report thereon to the next General Convention, which shall then have
power to revoke the charter for cause. Such revocation shall require the affirmative vote
of three-fourths of the General Convention.
64. Charter Suspension. The General Council, after full investigation and for just
cause, shall have power to withdraw from a chapter the right to exercise all or any of its
functions, except representation in the next General Convention. Such suspension shall
not extend beyond the next General Convention. Representation of the suspended
chapter at the General Convention shall include the right of members of the suspended
chapter to be admitted to the General Convention and to speak, but no representative of
the suspended chapter may vote or offer motions. (1982)

65. Title Permanent. In case of the revocation of a chapter for any cause, it shall not
lose its title or chronological order in the records of the Fraternity.

66. Charter Withdrawn. When a charter is revoked or suspended, such charter shall
be delivered to a person named by the General Council, together with all archives,
books, membership records, and paraphernalia.

TITLE VI—ALUMNI CLUBS

67. Name. Alumni clubs shall be named after their localities.

68. How Established. A petition for the establishment of an alumni club at any place
having been signed by not less than ten members of the Fraternity, shall be granted by
the General Council.

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 69. Alumni Club Membership. Each Alumni Club may make reasonable regulations
regarding admission of its members. No Alumni Club may suspend or expel a member
from the fraternity, but where it learns that a member of the Fraternity is under
suspension or is in financial arrears with his chapter or the General Fraternity, it shall
not only refuse to admit such member to its membership, but shall refuse to retain such
member in its membership. For failure to pay dues assessed by the club for its own
support or other sufficient cause, the name of a member may be dropped from the roll of
an Alumni Club.

70. Officers. Each alumni club shall have a president, vice president, treasurer, and
such other officers as it may desire, said officers to be elected annually.

71. Alumni Club Dues to General Fraternity. During the fiscal year beginning July 1,
each alumni club shall pay to the General Fraternity annual dues of twenty-five dollars
($25.00). (1992)

72. Club Dues. Every alumni club shall have the power to impose dues on its
members for its own support.

73. Meetings. Every alumni club shall meet as often as it may decide but at least
three meetings shall be held annually, one each in the fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Founders Day shall be observed on or about the fifteenth day of March by each club,
either individually or with other clubs.

74. Letters to The Scroll. The vice president of every alumni club shall promptly
forward to the editor of The Scroll an account of the club’s observance of Founders Day,
and of other notable meetings during the year to meet published deadline dates for
various issues. He shall also send to the editor personal items about the members,
notices of deaths, and suggestions for possible feature articles.

75. Delegate to Convention. Every officially recognized alumni club which has
conducted regularly stated meetings during the college year next preceding a General
Convention, and which has paid its annual dues for the preceding biennium, may elect a
delegate to the General Convention who, on payment of the regular convention fees,
shall be entitled to one vote.

76. Qualifications of Delegate. No alumnus shall represent any alumni club in a

General Convention unless he is a member of the club and a resident of the locality
wherein it is established, and no active chapter member shall represent any alumni club.

77. Withdrawal. The charter of any alumni club may be withdrawn or its rights
suspended in like manner as in the case of active chapters.

TITLE VII—CHAPTER MEETINGS AND OPERATION

78. Regular Meetings. Each chapter shall hold regular meetings conducted according
to the ritual at least once every week while college is in session. For sufficient reasons

14
the president of the chapter may postpone any regular meeting to a time not exceeding
two weeks from the last regular meeting; in which case, the warden, unless another
member be appointed instead, shall notify all active members of the time fixed.

79. Special Meetings. The president shall call special meetings whenever he or three
other members may deem it advisable, and the warden, unless another member be
appointed instead, shall notify all active members of any special meeting. It shall be the
duty of active members to attend all regular and special meetings.

80. Meetings Secret. Meetings of chapters shall be secret, but the Memorial
Ceremony may be in open session.

81. Quorum. A quorum in any chapter shall consist of a majority of the active
members who are entitled to vote. This shall be sufficient for the transaction of business
other than that specifically provided for in chapter bylaws, or the Constitution and
General Statutes Sections 13, 151 and TITLE XVI. (1982)

82. Order of Proceedings. The order of proceedings of chapter shall be as follows:

(a) Opening Ceremony.
(b) Calling the Roll.
(c) Reading and Adopting the Minutes.
(d) Initiation, Affiliation or Reception Ceremony.
(e) Literary Exercises.
(f) Proposals for Membership.
(g) Reports of Officers.
(h) Reading Correspondence.
(i) Election or Installation of Officers.
(j) Reports of Committees.
(k) General Business.
(l) Anniversary, Valedictory, Alumni Day or Memorial Day Ceremony.
(m) Calling the Roll.
(n) Closing Ceremony.
This order, except as to opening and closing ceremonies and roll calls, may be
changed by a majority vote.

83. Pro Tempore Officers. At the opening of meetings vacancies among the officers
shall be filled pro tempore by the President. In case of the permanent absence of any
officer, the chapter shall choose his successor.

84. Founders Day Meeting. Each undergraduate chapter shall meet on or about the
fifteenth day of March to celebrate Founders Day. When convenient a college chapter
and alumni club shall meet together.

85. Chapter Dues and Assessments. Each chapter shall fix its own initiation dues and
affiliation dues, and have power to impose dues and assessments on its members for its
own support. (1994)

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 86. Guarantee Deposit Plan. The General Council may require any chapter to
operate under the Guarantee Deposit Fund plan.

TITLE VIII—CHAPTER EQUIPMENT

87. Fraternity Supplies. The supplies of the Fraternity, such as copies of the
Constitution, General Statutes, Ritual, blank forms, etc., shall be distributed in such
manner as the General Council may prescribe.

88. Restrictions Concerning Bond. On the establishment of each chapter, the

Executive Vice President shall furnish it with a copy of The Bond, written in a durable
book. Neither The Bond, nor any portion thereof, shall ever be written, type-written,
printed, engraved or otherwise reproduced, except by a member of Phi Delta Theta,
under the direction of the General Council. (1972)

89. Distribution of Constitution and General Statutes. The Constitution and General
Statutes shall be printed and distributed in accordance with the directions of the General
Council.

90. Distribution of Rituals. The Ritual of the Fraternity shall be printed and
distributed in accordance with the directions of the General Council.

91. Custody of Books. During the collegiate year, the president of the chapter shall
always keep The Bond and Rituals under secure lock and key, except when they are in
use during meetings.

92. Custody of Books and Records During Vacation. At the last regular meeting in
the collegiate year, each chapter shall determine what members shall have charge during
vacation of The Bond and Ritual.

93. Chapter Paraphernalia. Each chapter shall provide itself with all the
paraphernalia required by the Ritual.

94. Approved Suppliers. The General Council may select an approved supplier or
suppliers who, in the manufacture of badges, Fraternity jewelry, stationery,
paraphernalia and other Fraternity supplies, shall agree to conform to the designs or
styles authorized and the standard of material and workmanship established by the
General Convention or the General Council. The General Council may suspend the
approval of any such approved supplier or suppliers for making an unauthorized design
or style, failing to maintain a creditable standard of material and workmanship, or in any
manner failing to conform to the requirements established by the General Convention or
the General Council.
The General Council may grant permission to any manufacturer or processor to use
any of the Fraternity insignia or symbols in or upon jewelry, clothing, glassware, or
article or commodity of any character or kind.

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 TITLE IX—CHAPTER HOUSES
95. Chapter House Corporations. No chapter shall become incorporated, but an
association connected with a chapter but controlled by alumni of the Fraternity may be
incorporated under applicable state, provincial or federal laws for the purpose of owning
property for the benefit of the chapter, subject to the following considerations: (1)
neither the name of the Fraternity nor the title given by the Fraternity to the chapter shall
be used as the legal name of the corporation; (2) the chapter president and such other
member of the active chapter as the said chapter may designate shall be voting members
of the corporate board; and (3) the corporate charter and bylaws may contain provisions
that in the event the charter of such local chapter is suspended or revoked, all assets will
be preserved for the purposes of the chapter for a reasonable period of time and in a
reasonable manner. Such provisions may, but need not necessarily or exclusively,
contain provisions directing that in the event the charter of such local chapter is revoked,
all assets of such corporation shall thereupon be transferred to the trustees of the Walter
B. Palmer Foundation Incorporated. (1998)

96. House Corporation Records. The Trustees or officers of chapter house

corporation shall keep appropriate records and books of account and an annual audit of
same shall be furnished the active chapter and the General Council. (1996)

97. Chapter House. Every chapter shall have the right to rent either from its own
chapter house corporation, or other lessor, a house for its members to live in.

98. House Rules. Every chapter occupying a chapter house must adopt strict rules for
the government thereof, which are consistent with the Fraternity’s risk management
policies, and shall, among other things, prohibit all forms of vice in the chapter and
which shall prohibit the use or presence of intoxicating liquors and all gambling in the
chapter house where such use or presence is contrary to the rules and regulations of the
college or university where the chapter is established. The use or presence of
hallucinatory drugs or marijuana in any form is prohibited.
These house rules shall promote maintenance therein of a good moral atmosphere
and provide for the preservation of good order and for the establishment of fixed and
regular hours of study, adequate for the scholastic needs of its members. A printed or
typewritten copy of the house rules shall be posted in the chapter house. (1992)

99. House Occupancy. During occupancy of the chapter house by the chapter as
such, rooms may not be rented to anyone except members and Phikeias of the chapter
who are enrolled as students in the college, except upon written permission of the
Province President and Chapter Advisory Board Chairman. (1998)

100. Pledged Men in Houses. Pledged men may live in the chapter house for a period
not to exceed one year preceding their initiation, provided that they be always carefully
excluded from the ritualistic portion of the chapter meetings. (1976)

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 101. Removal of Alumni or Phikeias. The Province President shall have the authority
to remove any alumnus or Phikeia from the house or property for cause, and such act of
the Province President shall be final. (1992)

TITLE X—FINANCE
102. Dues and Assessments. The General Convention shall provide for the payment
by active members at the time of their initiation of such initiation dues as may be
necessary for the support of the Fraternity; but in case of emergency, a special per capita
assessment may be levied upon them by the General Convention or by the General
Council. (1994)

102.1 Dues Adjustments. The General Council shall present to each General
Convention a recommendation as to whether or not any adjustments should be made to
initiation dues, Phikeia dues, annual membership dues, as well as the amounts to be
collected for the Convention and Leadership Conference funds. (2004)

103. General Fraternity Initiation Dues. (a) The chapter Treasurer shall forward to
the General Fraternity the sum of sixty dollars ($60.00) with each Phikeia’s biographical
data card within ten days after Phikeia induction. (b) The chapter Treasurer shall
forward to the General Fraternity the sum of two hundred twenty-five dollars ($225.00)
for each initiate within ten days after initiation. (2004)

103.1 Annual Membership Dues. Each chapter of Phi Delta Theta shall pay to the
General Fraternity the sum of ninety-five dollars ($95.00) per active member, per year.
(2008)

104. Allocation of Payment. Of the said sum paid for each initiate, the General
Council shall provide the initiate with a life subscription to The Scroll and Palladium,
and shall in its discretion allot portions thereof to the following funds: The Walter B.
Palmer Foundation Incorporated Fund, the Contingency Fund, or the General Fund.
(1998)

105. Voluntary Contributions. The General Council shall solicit voluntary contri-
butions from each alumnus member of the Fraternity. These contributions shall be
distributed into the different funds of the Fraternity at the discretion of the General
Council. (1980)

106. Officers’ Expenses to General Convention. Each member of the General

Council, each Province President, Past Presidents of the General Council, and any other
General Officers so designated by the General Council shall be reimbursed for
convention expenses. (1988)

107. Delegates’ Expenses to Convention. Each chapter shall pay to the General
Fraternity a sum not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) as deemed
necessary by the General Council, on April 15 and October 15 of each year, to be placed
in a special fund and applied solely toward defraying the expenses of the active chapter

18
delegates to, at, and from the meetings of the General Convention. Prior to each
convention, the General Council shall determine the basis on which expenses of the
delegates from chapters not delinquent in money payments to the General Fraternity
shall be paid. Due notice of such delinquency shall be given by General Headquarters.
(1998)

108. Delegates’ Expenses to Leadership Conference. Each chapter shall pay to the
General Fraternity a sum not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) on April 15 and
October 15 of each year to be placed in a special fund and applied solely toward
defraying the expenses of the active chapter delegates, chapter advisory board chairmen,
and other officers of the Fraternity to, at, and from the meetings of the Leadership
Conferences.
Each chapter in the Fraternity shall send an official delegation to a Leadership
Conference. (1998)

109. Meeting Attendance Required. In the event that a delegate from an active
chapter to a General Convention or Leadership Conference fails to remain in constant
attendance at its sessions, or withdraws from the meeting before the final session thereof
without first having obtained the consent of the General Council, the amount provided
for his expenses shall be declared void and if a portion has been advanced to him, that
portion shall become an obligation to the General Fraternity on the part of the delegate’s
chapter. If the amount so assessed is not paid by the chapter within six months from the
date of the convention, the Executive Vice President shall so report to the General
Council for such action as may be deemed advisable. (1972)

110. Officers’ Expenses. The members of the General Council and other General
Officers shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their
official duties.

111. Salaries of Employees. The General Council shall determine the compensation
to be given to employees of the Fraternity.

112. Official Audit. All financial accounts of the General Fraternity shall be audited
annually by certified public accountants employed by the General Council, and reports
thereof shall be made to the General Council and to the succeeding General Convention.
Special funds must be audited at least biennially.

TITLE XI—OFFICERS OF CHAPTERS

113. Officers. The officers of each chapter shall be a President, Vice President,
Alumni Secretary, Secretary, Treasurer, Warden, Phikeia Educator, Recruitment
Chairman, Historian, Chaplain, Chorister, Librarian, Awards Chairman, Scholarship
Chairman, Foundation Representative, and Risk Management Chairman. (2002)

113.1 Eligibility for Office. Officers from each chapter shall be elected from the
active members thereof. Members with scholastic delinquencies as stipulated in Section

19
149 of the General Statutes or members who are financially delinquent shall not be
eligible for election to office or continuance in office. (1984)

114. Terms of Office. The Treasurer, Vice President, Historian, and Alumni Secretary
shall be elected for one year and the other officers may be elected for each term in the
year. (1972)

114.1 Election Procedures. The elections shall be at regular chapter meetings.

Officers, convention delegates or other chapter representatives shall be elected by
majority vote, by written ballot, except where there is but one nomination. Voting shall
be under the direction of two tellers appointed by the President, one of them being the
Warden, unless for personal reasons, he should be excused. (1972)

115. Installation. Officers shall be installed at the regular meeting next after their
election, and they shall hold office until their successors are installed, when each shall
surrender to his successor all the books, records, receipts and other property of the
chapter in his possession. By a two-thirds vote of those present, officers may be installed
before adjournment of the meeting at which they are elected.

116. President. The President of a chapter shall preside at all meetings thereof, and,
within the chapter, shall enforce the laws and rules of the Fraternity. He shall be charged
with the custody of The Bond, Constitution, General Statutes, Rituals, and Bylaws, and
shall deliver them to his successor.

117. Vice President. The Vice President shall, in the temporary absence of the
President, assume the full responsibilities of the President; serve as chairman of the
Executive Committee and coordinate the activities of all the officers. He will be
responsible for the preparation of all special reports as assigned by the President and
shall supervise the Secretary in the preparation of all the routine correspondence and
reports. (1996)

117.1 Risk Management Chairman. The Risk Management Chairman shall make the
chapter aware of the risk management policies of the General Fraternity, the house
corporation, and the university/college, and frequently report his activities to the
President. (1996)

118. Alumni Secretary. The Alumni Secretary shall keep such a record of the alumni
members of the chapter as shall be specified by the General Council, and shall transmit
copies of all changes in data to the General Headquarters of the Fraternity. He shall
endeavor to maintain close and cordial relations between the chapter and its alumni by
correspondence, and supervision of chapter publications.

119. Secretary. The Secretary shall prepare a permanent record of the proceedings of
every meeting and shall record each roll call therein, one copy to be placed in the
President’s file and one to be maintained by the chapter.

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 The Secretary shall conduct the official correspondence of the chapter; give an
account thereof at each meeting; preserve all official communications, and write
newsletters for The Scroll.

120. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall collect all monies due the General Fraternity and
the chapter, giving receipts therefore, and shall disburse the same according to generally
accepted accounting procedures. He shall make all payments to the General Fraternity,
and shall keep proper account books as prescribed by the General Council. He shall
render a statement of the financial condition of the chapter monthly to the General
Headquarters of the Fraternity, to the Province President, to the Chapter Advisory Board
Chairman, and to his own chapter.
The Province President may engage a certified public accountant or other qualified
accountant to make an audit, compilation, or review. In such event, the expense of
employing such auditors shall be paid by the General Fraternity and by it charged to the
chapter whose books are so audited and shall be collected by the General Fraternity from
the chapter in the same manner as other monies owing the General Fraternity. (2006)

121. Warden. The Warden shall serve official notices, attend to the keeping of the
chapter rooms, ensure that all required ritual paraphernalia is in proper order, and be
responsible for the care of all chapter room equipment. He shall oversee and assist with
all ritual activity of the chapter and he shall ensure The Bond is read and ritual
ceremonies reviewed during a regular chapter meeting once each month. (1992)

121.1 Phikeia Educator. The Phikeia Educator shall be responsible for the super-
vision of Phikeia group activities, including their meetings and learning program. He
shall uphold the laws and rules of the Fraternity regarding Phikeia education. (2002)
121.2 Recruitment Chairman. The Recruitment Chairman shall be responsible for
developing and facilitating a year-round program for educating the chapter membership
on methods of effective recruitment. He shall chair the chapter’s Recruitment
Committee and shall uphold the laws and rules of the Fraternity regarding enlistment of
new members. (2002)

122. Historian. The Historian shall write a history of the chapter for the collegiate
year that he holds office. At some meeting within the first four weeks of the following
year, the history shall be read and, on approval by the chapter, transcribed in a durable
book.
A complete personal and biographical record, pertaining to each Phikeia, and
prepared on such standard form as may be prescribed by the General Council, shall be
forwarded to General Headquarters within ten (10) days after formal pledging. This
record is to be supplemented during the membership of the individual with such
additional data as shall be furnished by the chapter at the time of his initiation,
graduation and other significant events.
Within ten days of initiation, the historian shall forward to the General Headquarters,
without delay, the names and Bond numbers together with the date of initiation of all
new initiates on the standard form prepared for that purpose. (1998)

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 123. Chaplain. The Chaplain shall conduct the religious exercises of the chapter.

124. Chorister. It shall be the duty of the Chorister to improve the efficiency of the
chapter in singing the songs of the Fraternity.

125. Librarian. It shall be the duty of the Librarian to develop and maintain a chapter
library. Such library shall contain The History of Phi Delta Theta, Catalogue of Phi
Delta Theta, The Manual of Phi Delta Theta, copies of The Scroll, The Palladium, and
such other fraternity publications and literature that it may be possible to obtain.

125.1 Awards Chairman. The President shall appoint, or the chapter shall elect, an
Awards Chairman. It shall be the responsibility of the Awards Chairman to make the
chapter aware of awards granted by the General Fraternity, university, community, and
chapter, and he shall be responsible for coordinating and forwarding the awards reports.
(1980)

125.2 Foundation Representative. The President shall appoint, or the chapter shall
elect, a Foundation Representative. It shall be the responsibility of the Foundation
Representative to act as liaison between the Educational Foundation United States or the
Scholarship Foundation Canada and the chapter. He shall be responsible for making the
chapter members aware of the Foundation’s support programs, including the availability
of financial grants, as determined from year to year. He shall help coordinate the
scholarship award nominations. (1990)

125.3 Scholarship Chairman. The Scholarship Chairman shall appoint such number
of members he considers necessary to constitute a Scholarship Committee. It shall be the
duty of this committee, with such assistance as it deems necessary, to promote the
scholarship of the entire chapter. (1992)

126. Chapter Officer Reports. Each chapter shall through its proper officers make
and forward promptly to the general officer requesting them, all reports, remittances,
The Scroll letters, and answer all inquiries by return mail. Failure to do so within five
days after receipt of request shall subject an offending chapter to such discipline as the
General Council may determine, including such fines as the General Council may see fit
to levy.

127. Executive Committee. Each chapter shall have an Executive Committee which
shall consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer and such other members as
deemed necessary by the chapter. It is the duty of this committee to prepare an agenda
for chapter meetings prior to such meetings and generally to direct the activities of the
chapter.

127.1 Risk Management Committee. Each chapter shall have a Risk Management
Committee which shall consist of the Risk Management Chairman, the Phikeia
Educator, the member responsible for social activities of the chapter, the member
responsible for management of the chapter facility, and the President. It is the duty of

22
this committee to assist in the education of the chapter on risk management issues in all
areas of operations. (1998)
127.2 Recruitment Committee. Each chapter shall have a committee composed of the
Recruitment Chairman and at least three other members of the chapter whose duty is to
organize and execute a sound program for the enlistment of new members. (2002)

128. Finance Committee. Each chapter shall have a Finance Committee which shall
consist of the Treasurer, an executive officer of the Chapter House Association or
interested alumnus, and such other members as deemed necessary by the chapter. The
duty of the Finance Committee will be to prepare a budget covering all the necessary
expenses of the chapter for the coming year, including all fixed charges on the chapter
house property and such payments on the principal of the chapter house indebtedness as
the terms of the obligation or obligations of such indebtedness may provide for, or in the
absence of such definite terms, such payments as conservative financial policies may
dictate. This budget must be approved by a majority vote of the chapter. In addition, the
Finance Committee shall assist the Treasurer in the performance of his duties,
particularly the collection of accounts receivable.

129. (1992)

130. Vacancies Declared by Chapter or General Council. By a two-thirds vote of

those present a chapter may declare any of its offices vacant. For neglect of duty, the
General Council, the Province President concurring, shall have power to declare any
office in a chapter vacant. Such vacancies shall be promptly filled by election.

131. Chapter Advisory Board Chairman. The Province President shall select an
adviser for each chapter in his Province from alumni members of the Fraternity
nominated by the chapter. The term of office of the Chapter Advisory Board Chairman
shall be the period between General Conventions. A Chapter Advisory Board Chairman
may be removed by the General Council with the concurrence of the Province President.
Interim appointments of the Chapter Advisory Board Chairman necessitated by any
vacancies will be made by the Province President with the concurrence of the active
chapter. A Chapter Advisory Board Chairman may appoint one or more assistants but he
shall retain full advisory responsibilities. In the case of long and satisfactory service a
chapter may confer upon an adviser the honorary title of emeritus but without further
advisory obligations. (1998)

132. Duties of Chapter Advisory Board Chairman. It shall be the duty of the Chapter
Advisory Board Chairman to visit the chapter frequently, to counsel with the chapter
about its interests, to sign the copy of the monthly report of the chapter treasurer
designed for the General Headquarters, and to act generally for the Fraternity in bringing
important matters officially to the attention of the chapter. He shall also be invited to the
Province Meetings. (1998)

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 TITLE XII—ELIGIBILITY FOR PLEDGING
133. Proposals for Pledging. When any person is proposed to a chapter for
membership, every active member of the chapter shall be required to investigate the
qualifications of that person for membership in the Fraternity and his worthiness as a
future member of the Fraternity. Every member of the chapter shall be entitled to give a
full expression of opinion as to the qualifications and worthiness of the person proposed
for membership. No person shall be pledged to or become a member of the chapter until
the chapter is satisfied of the worthiness of the person and that he meets the
requirements for membership in the Fraternity, and until the active members of the
chapter at the time the vote is taken, vote in accordance with their chapter’s bylaws to
extend to that person a bid to become a member. After a vote to extend such a bid, it
shall promptly be extended to that person by the president or other designated officer of
the chapter and shall remain open for acceptance by him for a reasonable period of time
as determined by the chapter. Until any such bid has been accepted by the person
proposed, the bid may be withdrawn and nullified by a vote of the active chapter in
accordance with the chapter bylaws at the time said vote is taken. If a bid to a person
proposed for membership is nullified and withdrawn by such a chapter vote, that person
may not thereafter become a member of the Fraternity unless he thereafter again
receives the membership vote of the chapter as stipulated by that chapter’s bylaws,
extending to him a bid for membership. (1972)

134. Further Information. If any member of a chapter requests further information

about a person proposed for membership before voting on the question of extending a
bid to that person, the taking of the vote may be delayed for a reasonable length of time
and the chapter may require the Warden to obtain the information .

135. Phikeia Education. No chapter of Phi Delta Theta shall indulge in any physical
abuse or undignified treatment of its Phikeias or members; any violation shall be
punishable by the General Council. (1994)

136. (1972)

137. Title of a Pledge. A person who has been pledged to join the Fraternity shall be
known as a Phikeia (pronounced Fi-ki-a).

TITLE XIII—ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP

138. Time of Initiation. No person shall be initiated unless eight weeks, or more if
required by the institution at which the chapter is located, shall have expired from the
date upon which he shall have pledged to join the Fraternity except that the General
Council shall have the right in special cases to permit a shorter period of time.
138.1 Depledging. A person may be depledged at any time preceding initiation by a
vote of all members of the chapter in accordance with its bylaws. (1972)

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 139. Fraternity Examination. No person shall be eligible for membership until he has
successfully completed his Phikeia training and has passed an examination testing his
knowledge of all aspects of the Fraternity and the chapter. Such examination shall be
conducted by the Phikeia Educator or any other person or persons appointed by the
chapter and shall be based on the questions and materials in the current Fraternity
Phikeia manual and such other matter as may be appropriate. The Phikeia Educator or
other such appropriate persons shall report the results of such examination to the chapter
at the regular meeting following such examination. (1998)

139.1 Completion of Pledgeship. Upon receipt of the aforementioned report, the

chapter shall determine whether the Phikeia has satisfied the requirements of the chapter
with respect to term of residence, scholarship, finances and conduct during the period of
pledgeship. The chapter shall determine whether the Phikeia has satisfied the above
requirements by a vote of members of the chapter, in accordance with its bylaws. Upon
completion of such a vote, a successful Phikeia may be initiated. (1994)

140. When Initiated. A preparatory student may be pledged to join this Fraternity, but
shall not be initiated until he shall have entered an accredited college or university. A
Phikeia who has failed to meet the necessary requirements for initiation within one year
from date of pledging shall be automatically depledged and shall not be eligible for
repledging until another full term has elapsed, at which time he must again receive the
membership vote of the chapter in accordance with its own bylaws. (1994)

141. Graduate and Professional Students. A person pursuing a graduate or graduate

professional course where a chapter is established may be initiated.

142. Initiation of Petitioning Group Members. The General Council may authorize
the initiation into Phi Delta Theta of members of any petitioning group which has been
granted a charter by this Fraternity, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed as
to confer on any such member the right to demand initiation into Phi Delta Theta.

143. Membership in Other Societies. When any person is considered for an invitation
to unite with the Fraternity, he shall be required to name all secret societies of which he
is or has at any time been a member or pledge.

144. Double Fraternity Memberships Prohibited. No person who is or has been a

member of a general college fraternity similar to Phi Delta Theta shall be eligible to
membership in Phi Delta Theta. A college organization of a strictly local character
recognized by the college or university at which it was established is not construed to be
a similar fraternity. However, no member of Phi Delta Theta may be a member of such a
local organization as defined above at the same institution.

145. Membership in Local Societies. No member of Phi Delta Theta shall join any
general or local society existing at the institution where his chapter is established, in
case his chapter shall have adopted a By-Law or passed a vote forbidding its members to
join such society; and should internal dissensions be caused by membership in such
societies, the General Convention or the General Council shall have the power to

25
prohibit members of Phi Delta Theta from joining such societies at particular
institutions.

146. Literary and Honorary Societies Excepted. Nothing herein shall be construed to
prevent a member of Phi Delta Theta from uniting with a strictly literary society, or an
open and purely honorary fraternity.

TITLE XIV—RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERSHIP

147. Chapter Members. Every person initiated shall be an active member of the
initiating chapter so long as he shall pursue an undergraduate course of study at the
institution where said chapter is established, unless he is expelled, suspended or is
permitted to resign in accordance with the laws of the Fraternity. If an active member
receives an undergraduate degree, or completes four full years of undergraduate study,
or enters upon graduate study, graduate professional study, or any similar advanced
course of study, he may elect to remain an active member, enjoying all privileges and
obligations thereof, so long as he shall pursue said studies and comply with all the laws
of the Fraternity.

148. Rights and Obligations. Every active member shall be required at all times to
conduct himself in accordance with The Bond of Phi Delta Theta and the highest
principles and traditions of the Fraternity. He shall be liable for all dues and assessments
levied by his chapter. He is required to attend all meetings of his chapter and privileged
to make motions, to vote and to hold office in his chapter subject to any section
inconsistent herewith, except that no provision of this section or any other section of the
Constitution and General Statutes shall be so construed as to forfeit the right of any
member to vote on the question of membership, including pledging, depledging and
separation from membership in the Fraternity. An alumnus member shall have the same
right as an active member to attend meetings of his chapter and to speak on any motion.

149. Scholarship. Any active member of Phi Delta Theta, who, for one academic
year, attains an average scholastic rating that is below the average scholastic rating
required by the college or university for graduation, shall be deprived ipso facto of the
privilege of voting in the chapter except on the question of membership, including
pledging, depledging, and separation from membership in the Fraternity, until such time
as his rating is above the rating required by the college or university for graduation.

150. Name of Fraternity in Business Prohibited. No member of Phi Delta Theta may
use the name of the Fraternity or the name of any chapter in connection with any
business enterprise.

TITLE XV—AFFILIATION
151. Affiliation in Another Chapter. Should a member withdraw from a college or
university where he is a chapter member and enter another institution where there is a

26
chapter, he may become formally affiliated with the latter chapter under the following
conditions:
1. He has been in attendance in the latter institution at least one term.
2. His grade point average at the latter institution is equal to or above that required
for initiation.
3. He has obtained from the former chapter and presented to the latter chapter an
affiliation certificate which shall be granted by the former chapter if he is in
good standing.
4. The chapter affiliating the member has voted to do so by a vote in accordance
with the bylaws of the chapter. (1972)

152. Where Affiliation Certificate Is Refused. If, for any reason, a member should be
refused affiliation in another chapter, he shall not be permitted to attend the meetings of
that chapter or to live in its house or lodging. (1978)

* TITLE XVI—DISCIPLINE AND LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP (1982)

153. Loss of Membership. No member’s connection with Phi Delta Theta may be
severed except by expulsion as herein provided or by voluntary resignation made in
writing by the member and accepted by a four-fifths (4/5) vote of the General Council.
(1982)

154. Discipline by Chapter. A chapter may discipline an active member of the

chapter by:
(a) expulsion from membership;
(b) suspension from membership for a stated period of time not to exceed twelve
(12) months;
(c) fine. (1982)

155. Cause for Discipline. An active member of the chapter may be disciplined by
the chapter for any one or more of the following causes:
(a) financial delinquency;
(b) violation of The Bond, Constitution or General Statutes of the Fraternity;
(c) conduct unworthy of a member of Phi Delta Theta. (1982)

156. Procedure for Discipline by the Chapter. A chapter shall exercise its powers of
discipline only after full investigation and for just cause. The active member sought to
be disciplined shall be given notice in writing by the Warden of the alleged cause for his
discipline and of the time and place at which a meeting of the chapter will be held to
consider the matter. The notice in writing to the member sought to be disciplined shall
be delivered no later than seven (7) days prior to the meeting of the chapter and shall be
mailed to the member’s last known address by certified mail, return receipt requested,

________________

* The 1982 Convention totally revised TITLE XVI–LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP, giving it the new title as listed and
replacing Sections 153-173 with new Sections 153-164.

27
or hand delivered by the Warden to the member sought to be disciplined. When said
notice to the member sought to be disciplined is by certified mail, return receipt
requested, delivery shall be deemed to have been made the date the notice is placed in
the mail. The members of the chapter shall likewise be given notice by the Warden no
later than seven (7) days prior to the meeting of the chapter by posting the notice in such
a place where notices to members of the chapter are customarily posted. A meeting of
the chapter shall then be held to decide upon such discipline and any vote to discipline
the member shall only be effective if passed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of members of
the chapter who are present, provided that at least a majority of the active members who
are entitled to vote are present. The President of the chapter shall promptly report any
action of discipline in writing to General Headquarters.
Any member may initiate the procedure for discipline by a chapter by request made
either verbally or in writing to the Executive Committee of that chapter.
The Executive Committee shall decide whether the matter should be brought before a
meeting of the chapter. If the Executive Committee decides that the matter should not be
brought before a meeting of the chapter, it shall report this decision and the reasons
therefore to a meeting of the chapter. If the Executive Committee decides that the matter
should be brought before a meeting of the chapter, it shall take all necessary action to do
so and may, if it considers it advisable, appoint a special committee to investigate the
matter and report to the meeting of the chapter held for the purpose of deciding upon any
discipline. (2008)

157. Reconsideration and Appeals. A chapter may, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of

members who are present, reconsider any decision imposing discipline on an active
member or former member and reach the same or a different decision, provided that at
least a majority of the active members who are entitled to vote are present. Any such
action resulting in a different decision shall be promptly reported in writing to General
Headquarters and to the Province President by the President of the chapter.
An active member, or former member, who has been disciplined by a chapter may
appeal such decision to the General Council or the next succeeding General Convention
if the decision has been sustained by the General Council. (1982)

158. Discipline of an Alumnus Member by the General Council. An alumnus member

may be disciplined for any one or more of the causes set out in Section 155, by action of
the General Council after full investigation and for just cause. A four-fifths (4/5) vote of
General Council shall be necessary for such discipline. General Council may act to
discipline an alumnus member upon the written request of an active chapter and with the
approval of the Province President. (2000)

158.1 Discipline of an Alumnus Member by the Chapter. After seeking advice from
and consulting with the Province President, a chapter may discipline an alumnus
member of the chapter for any one or more causes set out in Section 155 by those means
set out in the Section 154(a) or (b). The chapter shall act only after full investigation
and for just cause.

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 The alumnus sought to be disciplined shall be given notice in writing of the alleged
cause for his discipline and he shall be entitled to appear before or make written
representations to the chapter. This notice in writing shall be delivered no later than ten
(10) days prior to the date on which the action shall be taken by the chapter and shall be
forwarded via certified mail, return receipt requested, to the member sought to be
disciplined. Delivery shall be deemed to have been made the date the notice is placed in
the mail. Any vote to discipline an alumnus shall only be effective if passed by a two-
thirds (2/3) vote of members of the chapter who are present, provided that at least a
majority of the active members who are entitled to vote are present.
The chapter shall forward a report of the disciplinary action taken to the Province
President and the General Headquarters.
An alumnus member, or former member, who has been disciplined by a chapter may
appeal such decision to the General Council or the next succeeding General Convention
if the General Council has sustained the decision. (2008)

159. Discipline by General Council. An active or alumnus member may be

disciplined by the General Council in the manner set out in Section 154 and for the
causes set out in Section 155. The General Council shall exercise its powers of
discipline only after full investigation and for just cause. The member sought to be
disciplined shall be given notice in writing of the alleged cause for his discipline and he
shall be entitled to make written representations thereon to the General Council. The
notice in writing shall be delivered no later than ten (10) days prior to the date on which
action shall be taken by the General Council and shall be forwarded via certified mail,
return receipt requested, to the member sought to be disciplined. When said notice to the
member sought to be disciplined is by certified mail, return receipt requested, delivery
shall be deemed to have been made the date the notice is placed in the mail. A four-fifths
(4/5) vote of General Council shall be necessary for such discipline. (2008)

159.1 Discipline by Province President. After full investigation, a member may be

disciplined by a Province President for the causes set out in Section 155. The Province
President may suspend a member from membership for a stated period of time not to
exceed twelve months and shall report his actions immediately to the General Council
and the reasons therefore. He may recommend expulsion of a member to the General
Council. Any appeal by an active or alumnus member, or former member, of a decision
on discipline made by the Province President, shall be decided by the General Council
only after full investigation and for just cause. (1986)

160 Reconsideration by General Council and Appeals. General Council may by a

four-fifths (4/5) vote, reconsider any decision imposing discipline on an active or
alumnus member, or former member, and reach the same or a different decision.
An active or alumnus, or former member, who has been disciplined by General
Council may appeal such decision to the next succeeding General Convention. (1982).

161. Procedure on Appeals to the General Convention. Any appeal by an active or

alumnus member, or former member, of a decision on discipline made by a chapter or

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the General Council shall be decided by the General Convention only after full
investigation and for just cause. For this purpose, the General Convention may delegate
to a committee the power to investigate and report. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of a quorum
of the General Convention shall be necessary to decide any matter of discipline. (1982)

162. Reconsideration by the General Convention. The General Convention, by a

two-thirds (2/3) vote of a quorum of the General Convention may reconsider any
decision imposing discipline on an active or alumnus member, or former member, and
reach the same or a different decision. Such reconsideration shall not take place except
at the General Convention next succeeding that General Convention when the original
decision was made. (1982)

163. Effect of Expulsion from Membership. A person expelled from membership in

Phi Delta Theta shall forthwith surrender to the General Council, or its representative,
his badge and all Fraternity property in his possession. Expulsion from membership
terminates absolutely all rights, privileges and immunities of membership in Phi Delta
Theta. (1982)

164. Effect of Suspension from Membership. A person suspended from membership

in Phi Delta Theta shall lose all rights, privileges and immunities of membership in Phi
Delta Theta during the period of his suspension. He may not hold office, vote or attend
chapter meetings. He may not reside in the chapter house without the written permission
of the Province President and the Chapter Advisory Board Chairman. (1998)

165. (1982)
166. (1982)
167. (1982)
168. (1982)
169. (1982)
170. (1982)
171. (1982)
172. (1982)
173. (1982)

TITLE XVII—ALUMNI MEMBERS

174. Alumni Members. Any member who has withdrawn from the institution in
which the chapter of his initiation is located or has been graduated therefrom shall be an
alumnus member of the chapter of his initiation.

TITLE XVIII—INSIGNIA
175. Use of Badge Design. The manufacture of articles bearing the badge is
prohibited, except as specially authorized by the General Convention. The General
Council may authorize the manufacture and sale of such articles bearing the letters

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“Φ Δ Θ” or a monogram of them, or the coat-of-arms of the Fraternity or other suitable
emblematic design.

176. Badge—How Worn. Every member shall wear the badge at all appropriate times
while he is attending college, the proper place for it being over the heart. The badge
shall not be worn except by members of the Fraternity or their mothers, wives,
daughters, sisters or fiancées. A penalty of up to one year’s suspension from all rights
and privileges of the Fraternity may be imposed on the member violating this latter
section. (1980)

177. Undue Display Prohibited. Use of the crest, badge, or other symbols of the
Fraternity in such a way as to bring discredit to the organization shall be prohibited.

178. Fraternity Flag. The Flag of the Fraternity consists of three perpendicular bars
of equal width; the outer bars of blue and the inner bar of white material; each of the
outer bars charged with three white five pointed stars; and the middle bar charged with
the letters “Φ Δ Θ” in blue; the stars and letters being arranged vertically; the hoist of
the Flag on the staff being two-thirds of the fly; the staff having a spear-shaped head, the
head, cord and tassels being silvered.

179. Fraternity Banners. The Fraternity banner has the form of an equilateral triangle
and bears across the body the word “Miami” over the figures “1848”; above the left
“Φ”; below “Δ”; and above the right “Θ”. The body is of blue material, the lettering in
gold; the standard, if one is used, bar, cord and tassels being silvered. The banner for
each chapter is similar except that for “Miami” and “1848” are substituted the name or
initials of the institution at which the chapter is established and the year when the
chapter was chartered.
180. Phikeia Button. The Phikeia button of the Fraternity is square, with slightly
rounded corners, and is enameled in blue, with a bend enameled in white; on the bend,
the letters “Phikeia” in gold; above the bend, three five pointed stars in gold, and as
many below.
181. Golden Legion Button. The Golden Legion button shall be of such design as the
General Council may approve. (1978)
181.1. Silver Legion Button. The Silver Legion button shall be of such design as the
General Council may approve. (1992)
182. Alumnus Charm. The Alumnus Charm is of the same design as the pledge
button, except, however, that the Greek letters of Phi Delta Theta replace the word
“Phikeia.”
183. Recognition Button. The recognition button is a small gold, silver or platinum
button in the form of a coat-of-arms or the Greek letters ΦΔΘ.
184. Badge of Mourning. The badge of mourning consists of a black ribbon attached
to the back of the Fraternity badge.
185. Flower. The flower of the Fraternity is the white carnation.

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 186. Fraternity Whistle. The whistle of the Fraternity is according to the following
notation:

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